Cricket News
BREAKING: Sri Lanka cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka released on bail over sexual assault case
‘here would be a substantial incentive for him on many levels to comply with this bail and not leave the country,’ the Magistrate ruled.
Danushka Gunathilaka, the Sri Lanka star cricketer was arrested on the basis of sexual assault during the 20-20 World Cup 2022 and the player was eventually released on bail on November 17, Thursday. To add more to the incident, Gunathilaka was arrested after a woman claimed that the player tried to force himself on the woman and for not obliging to safe sexual practice.
The star cricketer was refused bail on November 7 and remained in prison for over 10 days after being arrested. Although the 31-year-old will now be out of the bars, he must refrain from using his social media profiles and other dating apps and the player will not be able to leave the country as his passport is surrendered.
Magistrate Janet Wahlquist stated that the Sri Lankan cricketer was unlikely to cause further harm to the victim and added that the left-handed batter would have substantial incentives to comply with the bail as well.
“There is nothing that would indicate to me that he himself is likely to further endanger the victim if he’s granted bail. There would be a substantial incentive for him on many levels to comply with this bail and not leave the country,” Wahlquist ruled.
INR 1.09 crore paid as surety for Danushka Gunathilaka’s release
The renowned cricketer was released on basis of the surety of A$200,000 (INR 1.09 crore) and it remains to see if the southpaw would be allowed to make a move out of the country at the earliest. For the unversed, the duo exchanged texts several times before they met on November 2, and had drinks before they both headed back to the woman’s home at around 11 pm.
Gunathilaka reportedly assaulted the woman and choked her several times, even though the woman claimed that she was uncomfortable with the same. The 31-year-old went over the board and refused to wear protection while indulging in sexual activity, and eventually forced the woman to such an extent that she had to file an assault case. With Sri Lankan cricket already struggling to cope with the sepulchral 20-20 World Cup outing, the Gunathilaka-saga would add more fuel to the fire.
